PETS HELP TO KICK OFF ANNA FAIR

ANNA, Ill. -- A pet parade will officially open the Union County Fair today at 4 p.m.

The pet parade has become a tradition for the 112-year-old fair and features young people showing pets owned and cared for by the exhibitor.

Categories in the parade include smallest pet, prettiest pet, most unusual pet, best dressed pet in costume and the best trained dog.

The pet parade is one of two events on today's program. A community worship service will get under way at 7 p.m.

Rides, food, entertainment and a wide range of exhibits are scheduled for the week-long run of the fair.

Grandstand events are on schedule each day starting Monday at 8 p.m., with the queen pageant sponsored by the Delta Theta Tau sorority. Nine candidates, ranging in age from 16 to 19, have entered this year's events.

They are: Kim Corzine, 17, Anna; Janice Harvell, 16, Jonesboro; Julie Ann Hill, 19, Anna; Jennifer Linson, 17, Anna; Marie Elaina Nekola, Anna; Angela Hunter, 18, Anna; April Poole, 16, Anna; Heather Szczerba, 17, Anna; and Patricia Stone, 18, Anna.

Other grandstand events during the week include a championship rodeo Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.; gospel singer Michael Jackson and his Midway Mission Wednesday at 8 p.m.; garden tractor pull Thursday at 8 p.m.; Demolition Derby Friday at 8 p.m. and a racking horse show Saturday at 6 p.m.

Three days of harness racing are scheduled at the fair, starting Wednesday. Racing will start at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Admission to the fair is $1, with parking also $1. Admission for the Tuesday rodeo is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Cost of the Wednesday gospel sing is $2.